By REGINALD KANYANE
11 November 2024 – North West MEC for Economic Development, Environment, Conservation, and Tourism, Bitsa Lenkopane, has emphasized that sustainable development relies on recognizing the critical contributions of rural women to an inclusive economy. Lenkopane called on government, private sector stakeholders, and business forums to unite efforts to empower and include women as key players in economic transformation.
She made these remarks during an impactful outreach event at Sannieshof Lodge and Events, where rural women entrepreneurs from across the province gathered to gain valuable insights into government services and enterprise opportunities aimed at enhancing their economic independence and social well-being.
“The outreach aligns with the government’s broader agenda to drive economic growth and bridge gender inequalities in rural areas, supporting the 2023 Integrated Rural Development Sector Strategy and advancing the goals of the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE) Act to prioritize sustainable development and social transformation.
“The event highlighted several key areas essential to supporting rural women’s economic inclusion, such as facilitating access to finance, providing skills development and training, addressing policy barriers faced by rural women, and enhancing business skills and resource accessibility to help women create sustainable jobs,” said Lenkopane.
She further said the department along with its entities, the North West Gambling Board, North West Parks & Tourism Board, and North West Development Corporation (NWDC), joined forces with development finance institutions including the NYDA, SEDFA, SARS, NEF, and WECONA, to share information on services available to empower women in business. Lenkopane added that women entrepreneurs and aspiring business owners received guidance on a range of government-supported opportunities, from small business and cooperative registration to funding, business recovery programs, liquor licensing, and possibilities within biodiversity and tourism.
“Local SMMEs also showcased their products, reflecting rural women’s ambition and drive to expand their business impact. I would like to send my gratitude for the high turnout and the enthusiasm of participants’ eager to explore economic empowerment programmes led by the government.
“Our outreach initiatives, like this one and Thuntsha Lerole Reload, ensure that rural women have equal access to opportunities as their urban counterparts, fostering equitable communities and driving economic growth,” she said.
Lenkopane highlighted the department’s ongoing commitment to providing financial, non-financial, and incubation support to empower women, youth, and people with disabilities across the province. She also stressed the critical role of information access in empowering communities, urging women to leverage the opportunities presented by departments and other funding institutions.
“Our department is dedicated to helping people understand and capitalize on the economic opportunities available to them, to transform lives and uplift rural communities.
“Government outreach programs like these are essential to improving public access to critical information, fostering direct engagement with officials, and cultivating a culture of economic inclusivity in rural communities,” said Lenkopane.
She re-affirmed the department’s commitment to gender equality as the economic priority, recognizing the role of women in advancing rural development and driving sustainable job creation.
The Guardian 